The campaign kicked off today. (Image source: Sharjah24)

Sharjah city is organising safety awareness campaigns for protecting people from the heat. 

Muhammad Al Zarouni, Director of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Health and Prevention in Sharjah, announced the launch of the 13th edition of a campaign to prevent heat exhaustion and related illnesses in Sharjah. Organised in collaboration with the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs, the campaign is titled “Your Safety is Our Goal” and aims to raise health awareness among all community members about the dangers of high temperatures. The campaign particularly targets workers and will extend to all cities in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Al Zarouni stated that the campaign, which runs throughout the summer, includes field visits to construction sites and educational lectures to disseminate health information to diverse segments of society, regardless of nationality.

He further explained that the campaign emphasises proper behaviours and awareness of the health risks associated with heat exhaustion, as well as ways to ensure a safe working environment. The initiative provides free medical exams, including blood pressure, diabetes, and vision tests, along with free eyeglasses for workers in need and cold beverages to help them stay hydrated.

Homeland security investments are expected to grow as well. (Image source: Intersec)

According to Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the 25th edition of the Intersec, which took place in Dubai earlier this year, resulted in a potential business buying capacity of more than US$16.7bn.

Significant business was done at the event, including a strategic agreement between the Judicial Inspection Authority (JIA) and Moro Hub, a Digital DEWA subsidiary, to create an advanced website for the authority and establish a comprehensive Judicial Performance Management system. Additionally, at Intersec 2024, Moro Hub and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) inked a strategic agreement to expand coordination and cooperation in the field of smart city security.

Digital Mobility Services (DMS): Econocom and Streamax have forged a strategic alliance to create intelligent transport systems in Saudi Arabia that leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence to improve the effectiveness of public transit.

Growing economy

According to Business industry Insights, the homeland security industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is expected to reach a valuation of US$15,601.75mn by 2028. With factors like automation and the growth of airports and passenger traffic propelling the industry forward, Intersec is set to continue fostering significant business opportunities and partnerships as it gets ready to return to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 26th edition from 14-16 January next year. 

Grant Tuchten, portfolio director at Intersec organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, "This monumental achievement underscores the importance of Intersec as a pivotal platform for fostering business partnerships and driving the industry's growth. The potential buying capacity generated at Intersec highlights the event's influence and its critical role in facilitating groundbreaking deals and collaborations that shape the future of safety, security, and fire protection."

The workshop took place in May this year. (Image source: ICC)

After signing an agreement in February 2024 to enhance building safety and construction standards in Oman, the International Code Council (ICC) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) initiated a workshop series in Muscat in May 2024.

This project, focusing on safety standards, sustainability, and technology integration, aims to be completed by early 2026. The three-day workshop series is designed to develop six comprehensive building codes specifically tailored for Oman.

Oman's adoption of these new codes, based on the 2021 International Codes (I-Codes), will elevate national standards and promote best practices, ensuring citizen safety and positioning Oman as a leader in construction safety and sustainability.

The initial workshops brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, design professionals, and industry experts. Over the three days, discussions covered the project scope, findings from the ICC’s exploratory trip, research, local construction practices, and regulatory systems.

These sessions fostered in-depth conversations, identified key gaps, and concluded with strategic recommendations for enhancing Oman’s building codes. This collaborative effort ensures that the new codes will be comprehensive and aligned with Oman’s future aspirations.

The foundation of the ICC's 2021 International Codes (I-Codes) allows for a consensus-driven approach to code development.

The success of their adaptation in Oman depends on active involvement from local stakeholders. Through these extensive workshops, Oman is customising the I-Codes to suit its specific needs, ensuring broad support and effective implementation.

The Awards recognise organisations’ commitment to continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill health at work. (Image source: RoSPA)

More than 250 industry leaders came together at the Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Dubai Awards

Sponsored by NEBOSH, the event celebrated the commitment of international businesses to make workplaces safer.

Winners included passenger transport solutions company, School Transport Services LLC who received the Fleet Safety Technology Trophy, (sponsored by Tesco Dotcom), as well as the Health and Safety Team of the Year Award (International) a testament to their unyielding dedication to safety standards. Bapco Gas Company B.S.C., collected the Oil & Gas Sector award (sponsored by NEBOSH).

In the education and training sector, Gems Education was Commended in the Education & Training Services Sector, and in construction Gulf Contracting Co.W.L.L was highly commended in the Construction commercial sector, as well as attaining the International Sector Award. Bahrain’s Gulf Petrochemical Industry Company (GPIC) won the Chemical sector award. Qatar Power Company scooped the Electricity sector award, with Qatar’s Ras Girtas Power Company being highly commended, and Oman’s Phoenix Operation and Maintenance Company – LLC being commended.

Going further than the workplace, Tristar Transport LLC scooped the Health & Safety Beyond the Workplace Trophy highlighting their contribution to promoting safety excellence within the organisation’s local communities.

Matt Cryer, head of Awards at RoSPA, said, "Last night’s celebration was essential in recognising excellence in health and safety management, as well as showcasing the 2024 winners' outstanding dedication and innovative solutions. We congratulate them for setting high standards that inspire continuous improvement in our industry."

Dee Arp, chief operations officer at NEBOSH, said, “NEBOSH is delighted to again sponsor the RoSPA Awards in Dubai, celebrating excellence in health, safety, and environmental management on an international platform. We congratulate all the winners for their outstanding achievements and commitment to safeguarding lives. Their exemplary efforts set a high benchmark, inspiring us all to strive for the highest standards in our industry.”

The RoSPA Awards are considered a valuable method for gaining international acknowledgment for organisations who want to lead the way in health and safety excellence. One of the largest occupational health and safety awards programme in the world, the Awards have almost 2,000 entries every year, covering nearly 60 countries and reaching millions of employees. The programme recognises organisations’ commitment to continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill health at work, looking at entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement.